Candidates for the instrument rating must be knowledgeable in IFR-related items in the AIM, the U.S. ATC system and procedures, IFR navigation, the use of IFR charts, aviation weather, requirements for operating under IFR conditions, recognition of critical weather, Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) and Crew Resource Management (CRM).

Candidates must also pass the FAA instrument rating knowledge test with a score of 70% or better.

Have 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command, which can include solo cross-country time as a student pilot. Each cross-country must have a landing at an airport that was at least a straight-line distance of more than 50 NM from the original departure point. Cross-country flight procedures must include at least one cross-country flight that is performed under IFR and consists of a distance of at least 250 NM along airways or ATC-directed routing, an instrument approach at each airport, three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems (ILS, LOC, VOR, ADF, GPS)

The candidate also needs a total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including 15 hours of instrument flight training from a Flight Instructor certified to teach the instrument rating (CFII)

Up to 20 hours of the instrument training may be accomplished in an approved flight simulator or flight training device if the training was provided by a CFII.

Within 60 days of the practical test, the candidate needs to log 3 hours of instrument training from a CFII in preparation for the test.

Receive and log training, as well as obtain a logbook endorsement from your CFII on the following areas of operation: preflight preparation, preflight procedures, air traffic control clearances and procedures, flight by reference to instruments, navigation systems, instrument approach procedures, emergency operations, and postflight procedures.

Successfully complete the instrument rating practical test (and oral and flight test), as specified in Practical Test Standards (PTS) for the instrument rating, which will be conducted by an FAA designated examiner.